Common Use

Atacand is an antihypertension medication and a specific angiotensin II antagonist containing candesartan cilexetil. It is used to treat the following conditions:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Heart failure
• Impaired left ventricle systolic function

Dosage and Direction

The recommended dosage for Atacand varies based on the condition being treated:

• Congestive heart failure: Initial dose is 4mg daily, which may be increased to a maximum of 8mg daily for mild to moderate cases.
• Hypertension: Starting dose is 8mg once daily, which may be increased to 16mg once daily.

Take Atacand with or without food. Always follow your doctor's prescribed dosage, as adjustments may be needed based on your condition.

Precautions

Before taking Atacand, inform your doctor if you have any of the following:

• Heart failure
• Renal impairment or renal artery stenosis
• Aortic or mitral valve stenosis
• Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Hypertension with intravascular volume depletion
• Hyperaldosteronism
• Upcoming surgery

Contraindications

Atacand should not be used by patients with a known hypersensitivity to any of its components.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects of Atacand may include:

• Anemia
• Bloody stools
• Mental confusion
• Cerebral infarction
• Fatigue, nausea, or dizziness
• Renal failure
• Atrial fibrillation or chest pain

Risk of renal impairment and hyperkalemia may increase when Atacand is taken with ACE inhibitors.

Drug Interactions

Atacand has minimal interactions with most medications, but caution is advised with:

• Lithium: Blood levels may increase when taken with Atacand.
• Potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics: May increase potassium levels.
• Other drugs affecting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system: Potential for increased side effects.

No significant interactions have been reported with glyburide, warfarin, nifedipine, digoxin, hydrochlorothiazide, or oral contraceptives.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, skip it and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.

Overdose

Symptoms may include hypotension and dizziness. Seek immediate medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Storage

Store Atacand at temperatures below 30°C. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Disclaimer

This information is a general guide and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized treatment recommendations. We are not liable for any errors in this information or consequences of self-treatment.